WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Dale Samuels was the first in an impressive line of Bob DeMoss protégés, and the student wasted no time earning a spot in Boilermaker football lore.

On Oct. 7, 1950, in just his second game, Samuels took his band of Boilermakers to South Bend, Ind., and ended defending national champion Notre Dame's 39-game unbeaten streak, defeating the top-ranked Fighting Irish 28-14. The victory marked Purdue's first-ever win over a top-ranked team and led to the nickname "Spoilermakers."

Samuels went on to become the first quarterback in school history to pass for 1,000 yards in a season (he finished with 1,076 in 1950) and throw 10 touchdown passes. As a senior, Samuels led Purdue to a Big Ten co-championship.

Like his mentor, Samuels essentially proved to be a lifelong Boilermaker, serving as an assistant coach and in various administrative positions over nearly a quarter century. He was inducted in the Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001.

Samuels will be recognized with an on-field presentation during Purdue's Sept. 25 home game vs. Toledo.

In recognition of its "Cradle of Quarterbacks" heritage and with help from thousands of on-line voters this spring, Purdue's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, in conjunction with "Gold & Black Illustrated" and the Office of Trademark Licensing, has selected Purdue's top 12 quarterbacks of all-time from a list of 31 multiple-time starters.

A different quarterback will be highlighted each week during the 2010 season. Several will appear on campus during the fall and will be honored at President's Council pregame programs and during games.

Note: With the 2010 Purdue football team not playing the week of Sept. 27, the Cradle of Quarterbacks feature will resume the week of Oct. 4.